New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in close collaboration with Pakistan MSA rescued 12 crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir from the North Arabian Sea on Wednesday.
This humanitarian search and rescue mission was marked by close collaboration between the ICG and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), with both nations’ Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining continuous communication throughout the operation, an official statement said on Thursday.
The mechanized sailing vessel (dhow) Al Piranpir had departed from Porbandar and was enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran. It reportedly sank in the morning hours of Wednesday due to rough seas and flooding.
The distress call was received by ICG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, which promptly alerted ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar.
ICG Ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was swiftly provided.
ICGS Sarthak deployed for forward area patrolling, proceeded at maximum speed to the probable location and conducted an extensive search operation.
The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued approximately 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region. The search for survivors was supported by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory.
The rescued crew members were examined by the medical team on-board ICGS Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They are being transported back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat.
